Viva Pod Vegas #021 – Harum Scarum (1965)
Viva Pod Vegas returns with Harum Scarum, which seems (unfortunately) to be Elvis’s cinematic career low. But if this is the low point… things really aren’t so bad overall? It’s one of the shortest movies we’ve had so far — and still filled with padding — and its backstory is filled with tonal confusion and creative burnout. We discuss all that as well as its incredible opening scene, its seeming refusal to explain its plot, and its cultural insensitivities. We wonder if they could have leaned into a full parody of Elvis movies, discuss how much James Bond influence can be found in Harum Scarum, and why Elvis keeps falling asleep to be awoken by a kiss. We talk about Elvis’s sultry song to an 8-year-old girl and his singing via reflecting pool. Joey’s hair blindness rears its ugly head. We look ahead to Frankie and Johnny (and other upcoming episodes).
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